Millwall defender could return before season's end

NEIL Harris has revealed that Byron Webster could return to competitive action before the end of the season.

Webster has been out since damaging cruciate ligaments against Barnsley last September, and was given only an outside chance of playing before the end of the campaign.

Webster, 30, has recently started running outside and working with Millwall’s fitness team [above] as he builds up the strength in his knee.

The centre-back is out of contract in the summer, but Harris insisted Webster’s only focus is on getting back to full fitness.

But the Millwall boss hinted there could be the offer of a new deal, as he expects that even if Webster does not return this season he will be part of pre-season preparations in the summer.

Harris praised Webster for the way he has handled his recovery.

“Byron’s sole focus is on getting himself fit and back into the training group,” he said. “He has done unbelievably well, he’s a fantastic character and has been a great leader, even though he’s out injured.

“He’s at all the home games, the majority of the away games. He enjoys being around the group. He’s been dedicated and professional with his rehab.

“I think with him it’s just one step at a time. The next one is seeing the surgeon in a couple of weeks and getting the all-clear to get back to training.

“Then it’s a question of him sustaining that progress and getting some under-23s football. Hopefully that will be before the end of the season. At the moment we foresee him being able to do that.

“It’s not set in stone and we’ve not put any pressure on Byron so far. He puts pressure on himself, he sets deadlines and pushes himself because he want to get back fit.

“It would be great for all parties if we could get him some minutes before the end of the season. But if not and he’s fit by the summer then he’s got pre-season to hit the ground running.